Though the forecast called for heavy rainfall throughout the day, the A’s are continued to prepare the field for a game against the Mariners at Hohokam Stadium after the rain stopped about two hours before the scheduled start time of 12:05 p.m. PT.

Paul Blackburn started the game and worked one inning, allowing two runs on three hits. With Matt Olson digging into the plate to lead off the bottom of the second and the A’s trailing 5-0, heavy rainfall caused the umpires to convene and call the game off.

Daniel Mengden is still expected to start Friday against the Mariners in Peoria, though rain is threatening to cancel that game as well. Top prospect Jesus Luzardo would also pitch at some point after Mengden during Friday’s game.

The possible cancellation of games early on is not ideal given the A’s are already playing on a shortened spring schedule with their upcoming trip to Japan. A’s manager Bob Melvin said he would consider playing certain players in back-to-back games in order to get them more reps.

— Dustin Fowler was set to start Thursday’s game in center field. In an effort to add more versatility, Melvin said Fowler will get some playing time in all three outfield spots this spring. He’ll play right field in Friday’s game against the Mariners.

Martin Gallegos is a multimedia beat reporter covering the Oakland Athletics. A native of San Jose, he frequently attended ballgames at both AT&T Park and the Oakland Coliseum as a kid. Prior to covering the A's, he covered the Earthquakes, San Jose State football, and high school sports around the Bay Area. A self-proclaimed "Burrito Connoisseur," Martin is constantly on the search for the best burrito in each Major League city.

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